Trail Magazine - Should it stay or should it go?

[Dave]

+3

[steve sharp]

Sorry some of this is a bit off topic...

Good to have you on board, welcome to the TRF.

We keep the forum open to all, so people can see what we have to offer, and then hopefully they will join the TRF.

Previously we have debated about asking people to join the TRF before we take them out. But from our experience we had a lot of people joining us as a result of our try out rides. We do however expect people to join the TRF if they wish to continue riding with us.

Also as stated earlier the TRF fights to keep the Byways open and this is an important message to get across as well as the fun and enjoyment of the trail rides. Even if you do not take part in group rides, all trail riders should join the TRF to contribute to the fighting fund. Legal advice and legal representation does not come cheap and it is for the benefit of all trail riders. I honestly think that without the TRF we would not have any Byways left open across the country.

We now have our members only area of the forum open as well.

And back on topic, let the membership secretary know if you do not want a paper copy of trail.

Regards
Steve
Group Rep

[Dave]

I honestly think that without the TRF we would not have any Byways left open across the country.

100% agree.

[gavinskii]

I've opted out of the printed mag too!

[G-Bru]

Well it seems that our voices have been heard. Good on Mike Irving to make this decision!

Copied from TRF:

Trail.

For some years now Trail has been in the spotlight, mainly because of its production costs in relationship to our total income. Trail is part of the fabric of the TRF and most members look forward to reading it each month. It is edited and produced by Fred Ellison, largely alone and rarely with help. Even contributions from members cannot always be relied upon but every month an edition comes out. Thank you Fred for all that you do and have done for the organization which is not restricted just to Trail and long may you continue.

A lot of discussions have been had at meetings about the cost and whether Trail should be stopped, converted to PDF, farmed out to someone cheaper or membership fees increased to cover it. At the last AGM I agreed to look into trail and see if I could sort something out.

With effect from April 2013 Trail will be distributed in a similar format as a PDF only direct to the membership and via the website. This will save the TRF approximately 60 to 70% of its total cost and the money saved will go to the fighting fund. Approximately £16000. In this financial year to August.

February and March editions will be as they are now so this will give those who are unable to receive Trail two months to notify Fred or I so we can make alternative arrangements. Trail will be an Agenda item at the next AGM so the board’s decision can be ratified. At that meeting it is hoped that we will be able to present to you a new version of Trail that is Glossy and interesting and most importantly self-supporting through advertising and sponsorship.

Not all the corners are yet covered but if you would like to ask any questions you can do so by contacting me through email, by writing to the editor or posting on the National Forum.

Thank you

Mike Irving
Communications Director TRF
[email protected]

G

[mario.costasa]

An app has been under discussion and development for a while and we have something in demo version

I will get specs and a screenshot for you soon

Mario

[Dave]

Happy this is now public knowledge. I hope it's well received and an application platform is exploited in a smart way