MORC Board Members Wanted

[gopherhockey]

We have been discussing posting some information regarding potential MORC board members well ahead of our annual meeting/party that is coming up in September (see separate thread for more details on this event). However, nobody has come up with anything "official" to say, so I'm going to just go ahead and post this.

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 a few openings (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? We held IMBA Trail Care Schools this summer - did this individual participate? 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)

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...

[gopherhockey]

Ok, after that long winded message I figure I'd break the ice by telling everyone a little about myself and why I'd like to be on the MORC board again next year.

This past year was my first year as a MORC board member. Coming in as a last minute candidate I was honored that people thought enough of me to give me their votes.

In the past year I have acted as the MORC webmaster, basically bringing the MORC web site through two major upgrades in one year (including the addition of the forum system you are now using). I hope to continue this effort through the next year.

I also went from being a trail worker at Lebanon Hills to becoming a "Dirt Boss" and most recently the secondary Trail Steward under Dale Gundberg. 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. Over the last 2 years I believe I only missed one trail work session (due to a MORC board meeting).

I also attended all but one MORC board meeting and multiple committee meetings (including acting as the IT committee chair). The only board meeting I missed was due to Lebanon trail work (there was nobody else to lead the crew that evening..) I say this because I think it is important that each board member be prepared to make each and every meeting.

Another one of the duties I performed last year was to be the newsletter coordinator. This position was formed to help keep the newsletters from missing their deadlines. (basically sending out annoying reminder emails etc.)

I 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 this year and have put in quite a few hours on patrol (mostly at the Buck Hill races). Joining required me to spend over 20 hours of medical training with Hans Erdman. (that alone should get me some sympathy votes.. hehe)

Oh yea, and I guess I took it upon myself to become the MORC jersey guy - hopefully getting our nifty new jerseys sometime this fall!

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.

Ok.. thats about it for me. If nominated 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.

Please... if you are interested I hope you will post your information here for everyone to read. Current board members wishing to stay on next year - please do the same...

[dennis porter]

If you want to make a impact on how you want your favorite trail, you need to get involved. If you want to make your thoughts known, you need to get involved. If you think you can make MORC a better organization, you need to get involved.
MORC is still a new organization and it needs new people on the board. We need to keep up the momentum and successes that MORC is getting. Please, if you think you can contribute I suggest running for a MORC board postition. Ask not what MORC can do for you but, what you can do for MORC. It's all about the riding!!

Dennis.

[manual63]

John gets 500 votes from me.....will that get you re-elected John?

Now that I made my joke for the day, who, how, and when do people get to vote?

As for me ever being a board member, I would like to, but it's a time issue for me. Besides, I might be a bit too controversial at times to be a board member. I will stick to giving my input and volunteering when I can.

[Trevize1138]

I'm all in favor of John getting reelected and I'm ESPECIALLY in favor of that meaning he does all the hard work while I only volunteer 3-5 times a year to work on trails. :banana:

;)

[ryno lite]

John should get to sit on two board positions at once for all that work! We really appreciate all your help! You got my vote!

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by ryno lite
John should get to sit on two board positions at once for all that work! We really appreciate all your help! You got my vote!

Awww.. shucks. <blush>

I'm not sure I have as much energy for next year as I did this year.. but who knows. Kinda easy to burn ones self out, which is why it is great that the board is re-elected each year.

We could sure use some new people on the board though as Dennis mentioned. And if ya can't do it this year, there is always next..

You don't have to have a "this guy has absolutely no life" resume like mine to make a difference...

[socrates]

Originally posted by gopherhockey
Awww.. shucks. <blush>

I'm not sure I have as much energy for next year as I did this year.. but who knows. Kinda easy to burn ones self out, which is why it is great that the board is re-elected each year.

We could sure use some new people on the board though as Dennis mentioned. And if ya can't do it this year, there is always next..

You don't have to have a "this guy has absolutely no life" resume like mine to make a difference...

Liz for President...that ought to give John some incentive to keep up the energy level :etard:

[dennis porter]

Come on now. Yes, I would say John is a front runner. However, can we please keep this thread open for people that are interested in being a board member? Or how about what people think potential board members could do to make MORC more successful. Here's areas that I think could use some help ...
1. Communication Director / newsletter editor.
2. Race liason or something?
3. Beer supplier?

Who's ready to kick it up a notch?

Dennis

[socrates]

Originally posted by dennis porter
Come on now. Yes, I would say John is a front runner. However, can we please keep this thread open for people that are interested in being a board member? Or how about what people think potential board members could do to make MORC more successful. Here's areas that I think could use some help ...
1. Communication Director / newsletter editor.
2. Race liason or something?
3. Beer supplier?

Who's ready to kick it up a notch?

Dennis

I'm up for being #3) Beer Supplier - just a warning though...I use the one for you one for me; 2 for you - one two for me etc method of counting

[manual63]

Originally posted by dennis porter
Come on now. Yes, I would say John is a front runner. However, can we please keep this thread open for people that are interested in being a board member? Or how about what people think potential board members could do to make MORC more successful. Here's areas that I think could use some help ...
1. Communication Director / newsletter editor.
2. Race liason or something?
3. Beer supplier?

Who's ready to kick it up a notch?

Dennis

The best way to do this would be for someone to send an Email to a specified MORC member and then you can post it on a page with profiles of each potential MORC board member. That way, you don't have to worry about a bunch of unwanted posts........just an idea for you.

[Trevize1138]

Originally posted by dennis porter

1. Communication Director / newsletter editor.

*takes big gulp*

OK, my interest is piqued with that one, what with my experience with getting the Pie Press to do a story and all.

I'd really have to evaluate my priorities if I were to take on something like that though, I think. Got lots of hobbies begging for my attention, and sometimes I feel like I'm best as just a simple MORC member who, on occasion, does something nice for the cause. :)

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by dennis porter
Come on now. Yes, I would say John is a front runner. However, can we please keep this thread open for people that are interested in being a board member?

I'm waiting for more board members to post their interest as well... I think the thread would stay on topic if some of the other individuals in MORC were to post their interest.

We have a ton of great individuals - each one has done many special things through the last year...

As much as I have done, I have a lot of catching up to do if I ever want to be in the ranks of the existing members who have been there for many years. I'm honored to be a part of the group.. and I hope there are some out there that will want to step up and help out as a board member.

[Burke]

This is my second year on the board. I moved to the area from Michigan just over 3 years ago.

I've been an active participant in keeping the River Bottoms maintained. I've also helped out at Lebanon on a couple occasions. This year, I am coordinating MORC's end of the 24 hours of Afton. I've also attended the KC IMBA Summit this spring, and was able to attend a couple of the IMBA TCC meetings this summer.

This year my 'real life' has eaten up almost all of my time.
1) grad school :zzz:
2) buying a house :etard:
3) getting married [in 2 1/2 weeks :sick: ]

I'm looking forward to next year when #2 and #3 will have settled down, giving me more spare time.

[grizzly adam]

So what do these different board members do? How is it determined that we will work on THIS trail for this amount of time? What are the rankings of the board - or is eveyone just a bored member - he he, and assinged duties?

I'm sorry if these are stupid questions or if I can find the answers somewhere on the board here. I am just looking to see how MORC works overall. What are the meetings about and what are the ranks being held - Pres. VP. etc...

My team, Bent Crank Racing, worked with Andy Kruse this summer on the Lebanon TT and had an absolute blast promoting and getting sponsors for that event. Is that what MORC does to get access to trails - call people up and ask permission?

Are nominations allowed?

[socrates]

Originally posted by Burke
This is my second year on the board. I moved to the area from Michigan just over 3 years ago.

I'm curious..where? I'm from Downriver (Metro Detroit) myself (city of Riverview to be exact)

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by grizzly adam
So what do these different board members do? How is it determined that we will work on THIS trail for this amount of time? What are the rankings of the board - or is eveyone just a bored member - he he, and assinged duties?

I'm sorry if these are stupid questions or if I can find the answers somewhere on the board here. I am just looking to see how MORC works overall. What are the meetings about and what are the ranks being held - Pres. VP. etc...

My team, Bent Crank Racing, worked with Andy Kruse this summer on the Lebanon TT and had an absolute blast promoting and getting sponsors for that event. Is that what MORC does to get access to trails - call people up and ask permission?

Are nominations allowed?

We elect officers positions at the first meeting of the new board. There are the basic Prez, Treasurer, Secretary/Membership Coordinator types and two VPs that should probably have some role assigned to them (but thats a whole other discussion...)

From there people kind of volunteer to take charge of various events or happenings. Trail work is probably determined more by where we're even allowed to work, but now that we have a trail steward program I think its going to become their responsibilities to bring issues from their trail to the board etc. Now we're getting more access, and places like Lebanon will soon be nearly complete (as far as new trails) so attention will shift accordingly.

Meetings are at REI the 2nd Tuesday of every month (7pm) with committee meetings being held at 6pm before the regular meeting (if necessary).

I would say nominations would be accepted at any time here or via email or even at the meeting.

What I hope happens is that we get some good strong nominees by putting this info in front of everyone early. That way people know whats to be expected as well as things like we are an IMBA affiliate, so we follow IMBA rules and standards etc.

I'm sure we'll get some last minute nominations at the meeting itself as well - one never knows who is out there ready to help out and make a difference.

[Burke]

Originally posted by socrates
I'm curious..where? I'm from Downriver (Metro Detroit) myself (city of Riverview to be exact)

A small town in the southwest corner of the state, Berrien Springs. It's about 13 miles off Lake Michigan, near St. Joseph.

20 miles north of South Bend, Indiana (Notre Dame).

The closest largely recognized trail is T.K. Lawless Park, about 45 minutes to the east.

I had a major role in building a local gem of a trail on the back property of the College I attended. About 6 miles long now. When I (we) started, it was 1/3 of a mile long. It's my pride and joy... I still consider it my trail. :)

[socrates]

Originally posted by Burke
A small town in the southwest corner of the state, Berrien Springs. It's about 13 miles off Lake Michigan, near St. Joseph.

20 miles north of South Bend, Indiana (Notre Dame).

The closest largely recognized trail is T.K. Lawless Park, about 45 minutes to the east.

I had a major role in building a local gem of a trail on the back property of the College I attended. About 6 miles long now. When I (we) started, it was 1/3 of a mile long. It's my pride and joy... I still consider it my trail. :)

OK...know the area (but I did notice after the riots you listed St. Joe's not Benton Harbour :cool: )

[grizzly adam]

Originally posted by dennis porter
Here's areas that I think could use some help ...
1. Communication Director / newsletter editor.
2. Race liason or something?
3. Beer supplier?

Who's ready to kick it up a notch?
Dennis

With all due respect, are the above issues something that you personally want to see or are they what the board (borg) as a collective have agreed to see more of?

Can you guys give some examples of a typical meeting?

[gopherhockey]

We did all agree that a newsletter editor / coordinator was something we really need. This also includes any "ins" with printing companies if possible as well ;) The cost of putting out newsletters (in time and money) is pretty huge - it chews up a very large portion of the budget.

A typical meeting... everyone is welcome, and I'd suggest anyone wanting to sit on the board come to our next one. But for those that cannot, it usually goes something like this:

Start at 7pm - approve last months minutes, treasurers report, web report, member report, usually there is an issue or two at hand that takes up a large portion of the meeting - like a race event coming up or IMBA hot spots etc. Then we hear from all the trail stewards with a status report. Affiliates give reports as well from time to time.

We never get out early - always push it right to 9pm. It is a good thing that REI closes at 9 ;)

Last week we used up 30-40 minutes or more discussing what to do about newsletters while we also folded and stamped the August newsletters. There is always one or two main issues each time.

I consider the meetings pretty fun - even when they become a debate about some issue or another. There are some that have attended that would not describe them as fun I'm sure.

Everyone can view the meeting minutes here on the web site - that gives a good general idea of what is being covered. There are no secrets and all meetings are open to everyone.

[grizzly adam]

Awesome - thanks

[TrailDale]

John asked that the director candidates post their bio's here so the membership can get to know us (better) before the annual meeting. So here's mine.

Dale Gundberg
Apple Valley, MN

MORC board member since 1998
MORC President 2000-2002
MORC Treasurer 1999-2003
Dakota County (Lebanon Hills) Trail Steward
National Mountain Bike Patroller
Attended 5 IMBA trail schools
Co-founder of TrailSource, LLC (the Dingo-Bobcat singletrack building company) and have invested $40,000 in mountain bike trail building equipment.

MORC accomplishment I'm most proud of:
Co-designing all the singletrack at Lebanon Hills and building all the log crossings.

Volunteer efforts:
So far this year I've spent about 280 hours on trail access issues, trail building, and MORC Board activities.

Most fun this year:
Riding (patrolling) the Spring Cup At Buck Hill race course on a dirt bike - about 20 times. Yes, I'm a throttle twister (gasp!)

Theory on volunteering: You're always going to be too busy, so just do it anyway! These are great people to work and play with. The energy is contageous.

Too bad I couldn't make this more interesting.:zzz:
Guess I need to get a life . . . or then again maybe John Lundell and I could maybe share a life . . . :laugh: :laugh:

The annual meeting should be a good time - stop by the grill and say "Hi". I'd appreciate your vote . . . jeez that sound so "political" - sorry about that.

[gopherhockey]

Thanks for the bio, Dale! Some of you may not have had the chance to meet Dale - he spends a lot of time doing the mechanized trail work and the political groundwork for most the trails we are working on this year.

You have seen some of Dale's posts - when Dale posts, he says a lot and always has good information.

There are so many people that we all need to thank for all their hard work, and Dale is on the very top of that list. His efforts with MORC are something I'll never be able to top no matter how hard I work at having no life.

[socrates]

Originally posted by gopherhockey
We did all agree that a newsletter editor / coordinator was something we really need. This also includes any "ins" with printing companies if possible as well ;) The cost of putting out newsletters (in time and money) is pretty huge - it chews up a very large portion of the budget.


John - just a note (I'm not running) but I'm willing to help on the newsletter but due to job constaints I wouldn't wanna lead the effort...I also get a corporate discount at Kinko's (50% off) that might come in handy as well

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by socrates
John - just a note (I'm not running) but I'm willing to help on the newsletter but due to job constaints I wouldn't wanna lead the effort...I also get a corporate discount at Kinko's (50% off) that might come in handy as well

Ahhh.. you're my kinda person! This is exactly the type of thing MORC needs. If people think they are too busy to fully commit to being on the board there are always other ways to help out... part time, once in a while, and even better yet - connections to discounts!!

We'll talk - thanks for your offer!!

:banana:

[dennis porter]

Okay here's my brief bio: Dennis Porter.

I got involved in MTB advocacy in 1992 when I found out the plans to pave the MN River Trail. I've been to countless meetings at the DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the City of Bloomington. What I learned quickly is that you need to be in a organization to be effective. I've been on the MORC board since 1998. I'm also on the Park Recreation and Arts Commission for Bloomington.
This years efforts for MORC:
* Coordinator for the Eriks/MORC Spring Cup at Buck Hill.
* Liason to Buck Hill for trail improvements and membership party on Sept. 20th.
* Working with Bloomington and trail guru's Tim Wegner and Dale Gundberg for pilot project re-routes east of Lyndale on the MN River Trail.
Wish list for 2004:
* Get pilot project re-route sections completed on MN Trail east of Lyndale.
* Develop a group of dedicated trail volunteers for the MN River Trail to spread the maintenance work load.
* Ride more (dreaming again).
My family will be growing by one in late September which will give me a total of 3 kids. I'll probably have to scale back my volunteer activities but, I can't not be involved. It's not my personality.
Dennis.

[Tim Wegner]

After much thought and discussion I have also decided to add my name to those seeking a position on the board of directors of MORC. Last year I did not seek a position on the board because I was concerned that others might think being the IMBA rep and on the board would be a conflict.

Now as MORC is becoming more of a regional orgainzation and less of a metro only orgainzation I feel that I can seek a board position without any kind of interest conflicts.

Tim Wegner's bio:
-actively involved in trail access issues since 1999
-member of MORC since I don't know when, many years though.
-co-founder of TrailSource, LLC. along with $40,000 worth of debt for the trail building equipment.
-co-designer of Lebanon Hills.
-co-desinger of Harmon Park in Inver Grove Heights (currently under construction)
-designer of proposed by-pass trails on river bottom trails in Bloomington.
-co-designer of proposed by-pass trails at Terrace Oaks.
-co-designer and builder of re-route at Murphy Hanrehan.
-average annual time for volunteering for mountain biking issues-- damn close to 500 hours each year for the past 2 years.

Contact person and negotiator with Three Rivers Parks District for trail access issues.

IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) representative for Southern Minnesota for the past 18 months.

Organized this summer's IMBA HotSpots visit from the IMBA Trail Care Crew. This HotSpots session was recognized as one of the most successful HotSpots program in the past 5 years. 92 People were trained in building sustainable, natural surface trails.

Most rewarding mountain bike experience--seeing how well Lebanon Hills Trail is standing up to use. Last years numbers were staggering 30,000+ trips and this years numbers appear to be even greater.

Why do I want to be on the board of MORC? I want to have a vote in issues that affect mountain biking in Minnesota. I want to ensure that when I become too old to pedal my bike or get in front of a group of politicians and ask for land access that I will have prepared others to replace me. I want to work to make MORC a vibrant, growing, successful orgainization. An organization that our replacements can use to have even greater successes.

Tim Wegner

[Don Youngdahl]

Here’s my Bio, as I'd like to continue serving on the MORC Board.

Don Youngdahl
New Brighton, MN

· MORC Board Member since revival of MORC in 1998.
· First MORC Trail Steward at Battle Creek Park in St. Paul.
· Former MORC Membership Chair.
· Member – Citizens Advisory Group for Minnesota Valley Recreation Area.
· MORC Trail Steward for proposed mtb trails in TCAAP (Twin City Arms & Ammunition Plant).
· A leader (along with other MORC members) in efforts to prevent paving of the Minnesota River Trail (If you have questions or comments regarding this issue, please start a new thread).
· Trail work volunteer at Minnesota River Trail, Battle Creek, Lebanon Hills, Hillside Park, Monticello, Buck Hill, and have lead work at Minnesota River Trail, Battle Creek, and Lebanon Hills.
· Have attended IMBA Trail School.
· Special interest in drainage and creek crossing problems on Minnesota River Trail; Am responsible for building almost all structures on the trail except the raft.
· Currently in discussions regarding possible trail opportunities in four or five north or northeast metro locations.
· Stepped aside in Jan 2003 after 20 years as Government Relations Officer for Amateur Riders Motorcycle Association (ARMCA), the Minnesota state dirt bike association.

I believe in volunteerism, community service, and advocacy on whatever turns your crank. What turns my crank is public land access and trails. It’s been X-C ski trails, paved hiking and biking trails, dirt bike trails, and now I’m focused on natural surface trails for mountain biking. It’s much more fun to be out riding or working on trails than attending meetings, but I have experience and willingness to work in the political, regulatory and bureaucratic arenas, a necessity for off-road cyclists to get permanent, sustainable designated trails.

Don Youngdahl

[socrates]

Originally posted by gopherhockey
Ahhh.. you're my kinda person! This is exactly the type of thing MORC needs. If people think they are too busy to fully commit to being on the board there are always other ways to help out... part time, once in a while, and even better yet - connections to discounts!!

We'll talk - thanks for your offer!!

:banana:

John would love to help out...I I'll be doing quite a bit of travel over the next 6 weeks so the best way to reach me is via my corporate email (I think you have it...if now let me know)

[jjrsds]

I would like to add my name to the list of people seeking a position on the MORC Board.

I have attended IMBA beginner and advanced trail building schools. I have been a MORC member for less than a year and an IMBA member for even less time. I have worked on Lebanon Hills trails. I have been at Salem Hills/ Harmon Park since the first Pulaski has broken ground in June. Attended 24 hours of Afton on behalf of MORC.

I want to be more involved in the direction that mountain biking will be heading for in the Twin Cities and the rest of the state. As I am relatively new to the scene I am excited by the new trails being built and the current trails in existence.

I guess I just want to make a difference in how mountain biking is perceived by the general public/land managers and help to acquire or secure new areas for trails. I want to be involved in helping to expand MORC to more areas of the state which would help in new trails around the state.

I would like to think that new and different ideas would be a help in the overall goal of MORC and its members.

Thank you.

[jeffgude]

My name is Jeff Gude and I would like to continue my involvement as part of the MORC Board of Directors.

I've been a mountain biker since 1992 and I've been part of MORC since its beginning in 1998.

Because of work and family commitments my involvement is mostly behind the scenes:

- I have served as Secretary since 1998 and am responsible for recording the minutes at all meetings, typing them up and distributing to all Board members.

- I also currently serve as Membership Coordinator. What is that, you may ask:
All new MORC membership applications, both paper and online, come to me and are added to the membership database. I then create and mail out membership cards, a "welcome" letter for new members, and notify our "sock coordinator" of the new member's address and requested sock size. Board member Don Youngdahl uses the database to identify expiring memberships, and notifies these members in an enclosure with the next newsletter. I then receive all renewal information and update the database accordingly. I then print and send out a new membership card and send a new sock notification. I also use the database to create the mailing labels for the newsletters.

- I've attended IMBA's basic and advanced trail building schools and have been involved in some limited trail work at Terrace Oaks and Lebanon Hills. I've volunteered at the Spring Cup and the 24 Hours of Afton.

MORC's trailbuilding successes and growth in membership have been very gratifying. We've gained a tremendous amount of credibility locally. We've improved the trails in several locations and our involvement has led to several new potential trails in the Twin Cities.

Right now we are involved in so many ongoing trail projects and potential future projects that we risk overextending ourselves and burning out certain Board members (you know who you are.) We need more people to step up and land a hand, not just with trail work but with the planning and advocacy work that has to happen before any dirt is moved. I encourage anyone with a love of the sport to come to the board meetings and find out what you can do to help.

[MNbiker]

This post is a combination announcement and bio.

First, the announcement: Anyone interested in being considered for a MORC 2003/2004 Board position, please email your bio to me at mnbiker@comcast.net NO LATER THAN 12:00 PM this Friday. I have already copied all the bios posted in this thread, and will be glad to use them in the Annual Meeting handout. HOWEVER, I'm imposing a 250 word limit on bios, to keep things equitable and quickly readable. I'll be happy to edit your posted bio, if it's too long. However, some of you may wish to submit a shorter bio and avoid my cutting-room floor! ;) An email announcement will also be going out to the entire MORC email list.

Second, I'd like to hang around and be a pest on the MORC Board for at least one more year. 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.

North Central Mountain Bike Patrol (NCMBP) Coordinator for Ramsey County. Regular patroller at regional mountain bike races. Have represented MORC & NCMBP 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.

Volunteer Ride Leader for Two Wheel View/Trips for Kids. Have assisted with a number of excellent youth biking programs, including a weeklong trip to the Maah Daah Hey trail last year.

Avid cyclist for 20+ years. Active road racer in the mid-80’s (my younger, skinnier years!). Daily 34 mile round-trip bike commuter. Married with two wonderful daughters and a garage full of bikes.

2003 has been a watershed year for MORC:
-Direct and Affiliate membership have grown dramatically.
-We hosted a very successful IMBA Hotspots event.
-New trails have been opened (with more on the way).
-We're finally becoming recognized as an effective and important organization among Land Managers and the cycling community.

I can't take credit for this success - it's due largely to the efforts of tireless Board Members and other dedicated volunteers. My role has been merely to provide a little organization and guidance, so MORC can continue to grow through solid trail work and grassroots advocacy.

We still have plenty of work ahead. My primary goals for the coming year include:
-Finalize 501(c)(3) status, so donations to MORC will be tax-deductible.
-Continue to strengthen ties with cycling and trail organizations throughout Minnesota.
-Implement additional programs to build and retain a larger core of volunteer trail workers for upcoming trail projects.
-Continue to expand MORC-sponsored social events.
-Assist in renewing a statewide MTB Race Series.
-Assist in developing a "destination" trail system in Minnesota, similar to CAMBA or Maah Daah Hey.

Ride on!

[seberly]

Steve Eberly
Bloomington, MN

I am interested in representing mountain bikers in Minnesota => more specifically where I live and work in Bloomington. We all need to take a turn at the front and I am interested in giving back to the activity which I have gained so much from over the years. I believe a board member position will enhance this opportunity. My main focus will be working with MORC and the City of Bloomington and affiliated organizations to maintain and develop the river trail.

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.

This year I have returned to this activity after living overseas for two years. In 2003 I attended the IMBA Hot Spots trail school, worked with MORC to organize several Bloomington River Trail work sessions and worked with IMBA and the City of Bloomington on two proposed re-routes.


Summary of qualifications:

Bloomington resident (live and work in the city)
15+ years of MTB background
2 day IMBA trail school
Registered Professional Engineer in MN
IMBA member for 5+ 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

[gopherhockey]

We are still lacking a couple of board member nominations for the positions we have open.

My concern is that we have a few positions filled by last minute and not well thought out nominations.

If anyone has been debating this and is still interested or has some questions please feel free to contact myself or Steve Garnjobst... or any current board member for that matter.

I would much rather get people on the board that have been to trail work sessions, group rides, morc events, the message forums, etc. than people volunteering last minute because they live near a trail and think it might be fun. (not that volunteering is a bad thing or that they might not make a great board member.. but.. you know what I'm getting at..)

MORC as an organization deserves to have people that can give the apporpriate amount of committment to the position of being on the board.

It is tough but rewarding. It will take time and effort, but is well worth it...

[KleinCrazy]

Better Late then Never.

Sorry all,
I have been spending the last week working on a 15 min video covering the work of MOR for 2003 and have had very little time to think about my application for Board Memebrship.


I would like to continue with my position on the MORC Board for 2004.
I have been a member since 2000 and began helping with MORC Trail projects at Terrace Oaks when the first IMBA Crew came through.

This year I have been in charge of handling all the socks that are given out to members, so don't hold that against me. I know there have been some delays, but we have had such an explosion in membership that we have not been able to keep up.

I helped to set up and attend the IMBA Hot Spots program this year, and am thus a duly trained and "certified" trail builder.

I have helped with trail maintenance and Building at Lebanon Hills and Battle Creek.

I am on the MOCA board as a MORC representative. MOCA is working with the city of Minneapolis to work on and get legalized a very nice Mountain Bike Trail System within 2 miles of Downtown Minneapolis.

I am the Trail Steward Salem Hills Park, the newest park in the state to gain Mountain Bike Singletrack. We shoudl eb able to have 5+ miles of new singletrack in a native praire landscape by the beginning of riding season next year. ( it should be open for Snow Shoeing this Winter)

I am also an active member in the NCMBP and have worked a number of events this year during the race season.

Next year, I hope to continue with the Success we are having with MOCA and with the Trails in Inver Grove Heights, with the possible additionof another park in the city with Singletrack.

I hope to continue to streamline the Sock system and work with a new contact to provide all MORC members with Vinyl Stickers so that you can show off your membership in our community while parked at a trailhead or driving down the road.

I also plan of getting Unique and USEFULL medals for the Erik's/MORC Spring cup at Buck Hill 2004. No more of those throw in a box and forget about awards.

James