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It was last year about this time that Alan asked me to fill a vacancy on the MTF Board of Directors and be responsible for Flower Sniffn. Not a tough decision. This group offers the best of the type of riding I enjoy most and this would be an opportunity to work with a group of people I admire and respect.
My first year on the Board began in earnest a month or so later with a meeting in Chattanooga, immediately followed by a flurry of emails as MTF event planning for 2006 came to a boil. Now, as I get things together for a trip to Colorado and our first MTF Western Mountain Ride, it is almost time to begin that process once again.
By the time you read this the WMR will be history, but at this moment Andy and I are very excited about the first MTF Adventure and Flower Sniffn bash in the Rockies. Dan Huber (MapMaker) has organized a get-together in Gunnison that promises fantastic riding and socializing, and it is just one of our "firsts" this year.
Jason's first IBA Ride-In was a great way to kick off 2006, witness a lot of amazing long distance riding accomplishments and learn from other enthusiasts. Alan took his Founder's Feast and mini-rally on the road this year for the first time and, combining it with our inaugural Ride Around Texas, provided a week of fun in Texarkana for all who attended.
There is a lot still to come. Plan to join us in September for this year's Poker Run from Hell, where we'll be exploring some great Pennsylvania roads and trails for the first time while our MTF mile burners earn more IBA certificates, including the new PA In-State SS1k. And, come October, we'll be following some exciting Florida roads on our first FL C2C, CruznAl's Coast-to-Coast adventure.
We'll come up with something old and something new for you again next year. The Summer Mountain Ride/Smokey Mountain Rough Road Ride is a favorite and a sure bet to be on the 2007 calendar. We'll also offer another Great White North event, but watch for a new location and event format. There'll be more surprises from Jason and Andy as well, and count on Alan to host another memorable Founder's Feast, wherever it is held.
Stay tuned.
Sadly, we also experienced the unexpected loss of irreplaceable friends and riding companions in the past year. Fortunately for those of us who regularly participate in MTF events and lunches there has been the consolation of sharing the pain of loss and the lasting memories of fun times, as well as the joy that comes with new friendships.
During my first year on the Board I have been continually amazed by the behind-the-scene efforts that go into the MTF and the willingness of my fellow Board members and our volunteers to freely share their valuable time and knowledge to make it all happen.
Thank them by your participation. Contribute to forum discussions, join in Tuesday night chat, take advantage of the virtual library, sign up as a Touring Assistant, attend and perhaps eventually organize a lunch, write an article for the newsletter, buy on-line through the MTF Commission Program, share a ride report, or participate in an MTF official event.
If an opportunity to serve comes your way, whether as an event organizer, member of the Board, or in some other volunteer capacity, grab it. You'll be giving something back and I guarantee you will not regret it. And if you are as fortunate as I have been, your first year will also include many MTF "Firsts".
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