Meeting Notes

Hello all!

I know, it's been awhile. Sorry.

Tonight an official meeting was held at Big Shark (Delmar) to discuss racing at Penrose for 2013. An impressive number of familiar and non familiar faces attended the meeting! Many of you who came were most likely fueled by the cryptic messages posted on STLBiking about the cancellation of sanctioned races for 2013.

The meeting had a very productive outcome, so I'd like to share what was discussed with those who were not able to attend, and refresh the memories of those who were there.

Let's start with the main concerns. The problems presented at the meeting were as follows:

• Steven Wilkes is making an effort to hand over the reins of Penrose organization
• Some of the current practices during Penrose's training series have the potential to be in contradiction with USAC regulations and must be corrected.
• A new chief official must be named for Penrose racing.

Here is the course of action being taken to resolve any problems that may prevent sanctioned racing at Penrose Park Velodrome.

• Change the promoter. Our official permit for Penrose Park Velodrome in 2013 will be listed under Big Shark Bicycle. 
• Remain USCA. In remaining a USAC track, we will continue to follow the same regulations as we have in the past. Our ability to upgrade and accumulate points will remain the same. All of our current officials can officiate without any additional training.
• Create a committee to take on  responsibilities as delegated by official promoter. Some of these duties include : transportation and maintenance of track equipment, preparing the track for racing (read glorified way of saying sweeping), weather watch and updates, running registration, creating and maintaining a weekly race schedule, paperwork, and scheduling and payment of officials. The ideal number of individuals for this committee is 5-6. It will include some very focused and intensive work by a group of dedicated individuals. Most likely, the group will be hand picked by the previous promoter and the new promoter to establish a group with varied skills and a clear dedication to the betterment of Penrose.
• The creation of a Track Director position. This is something that will happen as we move closer to track season. An individual is needed to act as a representative of Penrose on many different levels in addition to general organization and upkeep. The person in this role will be working very closely with the alderman, MOBRA, USAC, and others who create policies and funding for the track. This role is to be selected by MOBRA. More details about for those interested to come.
• MOBRA attendance. MOBRA meetings are held the second Monday of every month. Decisions made by MOBRA are put to a vote, and attendance is usually sparse. This means that WE have a SAY in what happens to racing here in Missouri. All we have to do is show up. Attending MOBRA meetings as individual representatives of track racing shows that we are invested in our sport and want to assist in making positive changes in our state's racing. The more of us that show up, the more our voices are heard. If you do want to attend, this month's meeting is this Monday, the 11th at 7pm at Concordia Seminary. Please check their site to see what is on the schedule for the meeting. Show up prepared, know what will be discussed. 

Other goals for 2013 include bi weekly meetings during the pre-race season and to reinstate the training series omnium.

That pretty much sums it up. If any of that information was writ in error, my apologies.

ALSO, if you haven't already, check out Penrose's BEAUTIFUL new website!

Happy training ya'll

-Molly