A big thank you to.....

[stevent]

... Mike Wheaton, who is stepping back from his role representing us at Surrey County Council rights of way forums and also as our map holder. Mike has done a huge amount representing us to the Council as respectable, civilised people who like to enjoy exploring the County by trail bike. Behind the scenes, Mike has put a huge amount, into our successful rights of way campaigns, and I particularly enjoyed his emails which regularly included various witty and acerbic comments about GL£AM and all the bobbles who want us eliminated from their ideas of tranquil countryside utopia. Mike also spearheaded our successful petition campaign, to improve rights of way decision making at Surrey County Council. Mike has told me he will be back, but a combination of injury and getting involved in another past-time (kayaking) has meant he has less time, and that its good to keep new blood getting involved.

.....Simon Watson, who is stepping back from the run-co-ordinator role. Simon still intends to be actively involved in the club. Many of you will know Simon for his generosity and hospitality, having hosting the summer longest ride event at his home, I don't think there are many others who would have gone to such lengths to ensure our summer event was such a resounding over-night success. (He also deftly managed to prevent it being vetoed by Mrs Watson who was not aware of the plans until I inadventently let the cat out of the bag!!!!). Simon has also been one of our most prolific run leaders, with his weekday runs (while most of us are chained up at work), and has taken care to get many of our new members into the swing of things.

So.... thank you Mike and Simon, I am sure many others will join me in saying thank you for all that you have done for the club.

[Billy]

Second that Steven, the run co-ordinator was a fairly new role, but Mike has worked hard on our behalf for many years. BIG THANKS from me.......................

[Stewie]

Big thanks from me as well , I would be interested in Simon's thoughts on the role of 'Run co-ordinator' as this is a fairly new role?

[kris]

Totally agree with the vote of thanks to Mike and Simon.

Mike sat through hours of surrey hill meetings to represent us and took a lot of flak from them and didn't always get the thanks and recognition he deserved...this is a big gap to fill. Mike was also a worthy winner of the "best packed travel toolkit on trail" award and I certainly got some ideas from his club night presentation a few years back on what to take on a ride. Wish you well on the white water Mike and speedy recovery.

Simon's longest day event was one of the best ever surrey trf events ...roll on retirement for those mid week runs.

[gavinskii]

I can only echo what a stalwart Mike has been to Surrey TRF - he leaves an immensely large pair of Alpinestars to fill.

It shouldn't be forgotten how Mike was also such a driver and principle installer of the Byway signs throughout the County, which other Counties are now starting to adopt.

Mike, hope the recovery is swift and we will see you down at Ripley or out on the trail as soon as you are able.

[fallenmikethebike]

Gosh, thanks chaps. Now, after that glowing endorsement I will have to come back and ride again, but also because the riding bug never really goes away. Once I've recovered from this stupidly acquired rotator cuff injury I have some kayaking I need to do before the joints get tooooooo old.
Many thanks to all of you. Keep supporting those members who are prepared to give up their precious time safeguarding your right to ride, they fully deserve your respect and consideration.
Ride respectfully out there, you never know, it might be your brother you meet coming round that blind bend at the same speed you're traveling at .
Regards
Mike

[burls]

rotator cuff injury

Been there, done that Mike. Piece of cake and the shoulder will work just like new when it's fixed for the kayaking.


All the best

Andrew