Attn. Santiago Oaks Riders

[JamR]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Just some constructive suggestions here.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Bikers need to make sure that the tone of the meeting is kept positive and constructive. It’s not a venue to gripe and point fingers because the group as a whole will not garner any credibility that way.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Bikers have been seriously lacking in these meetings and the group needs to earn respect and credibility just like any other group.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I have not missed one of these meetings in almost 5 years, and in those 5 years I can pretty much count on one hand the times that bikers besides myself were present. But in those 5 years I can also state with certainty that every single meeting had good equestrian representation. The equestrians have a genuine interest in many trail issues and show up regularly just to hear what’s going on throughout the county, state any comments and concerns they have, and they stay for all the regular mundane agenda items and committee reports.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Unfortunately bikers have a history of a complete non-presence until there is a hot-button issue that has garnered some anger, then they show up for a single meeting, hit their topic; then leave halfway through the meeting once the other agenda items kick in, leaving the committee board and the other public attendees with the impression that the group is not very substantive in their commitment.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]This is an important meeting but bikers need to be seen as a seriously committed group, so please keep the meeting respectful and follow the decorum that the meeting demands since it is run similar to any public council meeting.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Show up on time…..stragglers tend to disrupt the meeting.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Once the meeting starts……only speak if you have the floor. People getting publicly reprimanded by the board for talking during the meeting shows disrespect.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]And stick around for the entire meeting to show that you actually have an interest on trail issues throughout the county, and not just this hot topic.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]If you are genuinely concerned about access, it’s not difficult to get involved. If after this meeting, bikers simply disappear once again from the meeting; we will simply not be seen as a genuinely concerned group, and will probably not be taken very seriously.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Please make the time 6 times per year to show your commitment to the sport and attend all the meetings. It’s really not too much to ask.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Just my .02[/SIZE][/FONT]

[OMR]

Originally Posted by JamR

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Just some constructive suggestions here.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Bikers need to make sure that the tone of the meeting is kept positive and constructive. It’s not a venue to gripe and point fingers because the group as a whole will not garner any credibility that way.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Bikers have been seriously lacking in these meetings and the group needs to earn respect and credibility just like any other group.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I have not missed one of these meetings in almost 5 years, and in those 5 years I can pretty much count on one hand the times that bikers besides myself were present. But in those 5 years I can also state with certainty that every single meeting had good equestrian representation. The equestrians have a genuine interest in many trail issues and show up regularly just to hear what’s going on throughout the county, state any comments and concerns they have, and they stay for all the regular mundane agenda items and committee reports.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Unfortunately bikers have a history of a complete non-presence until there is a hot-button issue that has garnered some anger, then they show up for a single meeting, hit their topic; then leave halfway through the meeting once the other agenda items kick in, leaving the committee board and the other public attendees with the impression that the group is not very substantive in their commitment.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]This is an important meeting but bikers need to be seen as a seriously committed group, so please keep the meeting respectful and follow the decorum that the meeting demands since it is run similar to any public council meeting.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Show up on time…..stragglers tend to disrupt the meeting.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Once the meeting starts……only speak if you have the floor. People getting publicly reprimanded by the board for talking during the meeting shows disrespect.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]And stick around for the entire meeting to show that you actually have an interest on trail issues throughout the county, and not just this hot topic.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]If you are genuinely concerned about access, it’s not difficult to get involved. If after this meeting, bikers simply disappear once again from the meeting; we will simply not be seen as a genuinely concerned group, and will probably not be taken very seriously.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Please make the time 6 times per year to show your commitment to the sport and attend all the meetings. It’s really not too much to ask.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Just my .02[/SIZE][/FONT]

Adam has pointed out what we need to do... it's now up to us to step up and accept the challege. I can't stress how important the need to get involved here is. What's past is water under the bridge ... let's start by making a commitment to attend meetings and let our voices be heard. We cannot rely upon The Warriors, SHARE, Trails for All or a few others to do this alone. I recognize that we all have busy lives but I'm making a personal commitment to attend as many of these meetings as possible... I expect others to do the same. See you there...

[genusmtbkr5]

Bumping this to remind everyone about this meeting. I'm actually going to take the night off so I can get some grub afterwards if anyone is interested.

[J_Sims]

I am stuck out of town... Go get em

[genusmtbkr5]

Bumped to remind everyone about the meeting tomorrow. I have to work, but I'll be at the meeting and go into work late. Hope to see lots of you there.

If anyone has directions or address to the Santiago Oaks Ranger Station, Please post. Thanks.

[mtnbikej]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

Bumped to remind everyone about the meeting tomorrow. I have to work, but I'll be at the meeting and go into work late. Hope to see lots of you there.

If anyone has directions or address to the Santiago Oaks Ranger Station, Please post. Thanks.

Here is the address:

Santiago Oaks Regional Park
2145 N. Windes Drive
Orange, CA 92869

Just be prepared, they may charge you to park.

[maxwell]

I wish I could make it, but work just won't allow it.

[genusmtbkr5]

Last Bump. I've got to get a nap in before I go. See you all there.

[jcampbell]

Couldn't get out of the office in time. I ride the oaks frequently and I am really bummed I couldn't be a part of it. Clients had some serious finanical decisions to make. And with the Fed meeting tommorrow, it just took way longer than I was hoping.

[JustSpin]

Is anyone meeting at the Taco Bell at 6:30-ish to ride in? I spoke to Gene & Keith last Tues and I thought that was the plan, but haven't seen a posting on it.

I heard parking can be difficult so that's what I was planning on doing, but I don't have any lights so wanted to make sure I wouldn't be riding back alone in the dark.

Thanks,
Kathy

[spookydave]

Originally Posted by JustSpin

Is anyone meeting at the Taco Bell at 6:30-ish to ride in? I spoke to Gene & Keith last Tues and I thought that was the plan, but haven't seen a posting on it.

I heard parking can be difficult so that's what I was planning on doing, but I don't have any lights so wanted to make sure I wouldn't be riding back alone in the dark.

Thanks,
Kathy

I was thinking the same thing. But it might not be to good to ride out through the park. That place is closed after dark right?

[1x1clyde]

Want to attend this but can't make it..I truly wish I could....good luck and follow Adam's .02 cents!

[JustSpin]

I think I'll still go to Taco Bell and ride in. We can always hit the pavement on the way back.

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

Bumped to remind everyone about the meeting tomorrow. I have to work, but I'll be at the meeting and go into work late. Hope to see lots of you there.

If anyone has directions or address to the Santiago Oaks Ranger Station, Please post. Thanks.

Gene: Get some sleep!!!

KeepsWhatHappens

[Wrecker]

I'm looking forward to the MR (meeting report). Bummed I missed it and wish I could have gone (work, crankiness of child without sleep, and her dance wouldn't allow it)