I don't think we should underestimate what a GREAT thing is it to have an organization consisting of welcoming and friendly people dedicated to ensuring that there are organized mountain bike rides at least 3 times a week with regular "out of town" rides as a bonus. Perhaps it is because I am new to the area (just moved here in Oct) that I don't take this for granted. The vast majority of communities don't have any group attempting this....and if they do, it is usually a very "closed" group of existing friends with an small email list who are not very welcoming until someone proves they can ride. It is breath of fresh air to have rides organized for all abilities, and even more wonderful when the group tailors the ride to ensure everyone who comes to a ride or event is not left out, no matter their current ability. Most mountain bikers buy a bike for the first time with the greatest intentions of having fun by riding great trails, hanging with like minded friends and family, and get some much needed exercise. Too often, the reality is that they can't find the trails beyond the most obvious ones, can't get their friends and family to come out for a ride because they are "too busy", and the few people they find on the trails are into themselves or their small clique. This unfortunately usually leads to a dusty and rusting bike sitting in the garage while the owner moves on to somthing else. I can think of no better way to advocate for a sport than to make it very easy for ALL interested parties to participate, learn new trails, meet nice people, and feel good at the same time. SSFTA demonstrates all of this, and more. This is the club's core and in my humble opinion, we should never lose sight of that!
All that said, I do think that the club can, and should do more. I have my own personal opinion on that (i.e. more maintenance and support on the trails that we ride), but to me the issue goes way beyond "what else should we do". The real question is not WHAT we should do, but rather HOW are we going to do it and WHO is going to lead it. Since I first arrived here in October and started attending and volunteering for SSFTA events, it quicky became apparant that there are only 5-10 people who are doing 95% of the work. These 5-10 people are the few in the club who are actually committing to leading rides every week, organizing out of town rides, organizing club social events like BBQs and Xmas parties, orgainzing and participating in trail maintenance days, manning informational booths about SSFTA at local races and community events, loading up/transporting/and cleaning equipment, creating and updating information and pictues on our website and other materials, planning fundraising activities to pay for club activities, answering phone and email inquiries, communicating upcoming events to members and the public, managing membership, coordinating to get taxes done, paying the bills, soliciting and building meeting agendas, taking/editing/distributing meeting minutes, participating in montly meetings, and participating in sub-commitee work. It is very easy to underestimate the many hours these people dedicate to the "cause" (don't even get me started on the DAYS some of these same people put into volunteering to ensure the success of the recent Keyesville race). Remember, these same 5-10 people are all volunteers and receive no pay for their efforts. They have the same work and family obligations that everyone else does.
I guess my whole point is that if we are going to try to grow the club beyond the current activities, then the club needs to have additional people step-up and help carry the load. It is very easy for someone to come forward and say "the club should ..." and then sit back and expect others to do it since your life is busy. If you have an idea, passion for, and willingness to LEAD the effort, I am convinced that the SSFTA board, advisory committe, and membership will support you. Not only will they formally endorse the idea, I am sure that many of these same people will step up and help you along the way to ensure success. It is simply not reasonable to expect the current few active participants to carry even more of the burden just because another great idea is thrown out there.
Kevin
ps - FYI.. I am not a current board member or member of the advisory team. I am, however, a passionate club member who wants the club to continue to thrive. I hope you don't read this as trying to limit discussion or stop opinions on the clubs's future....I really do hope that we have much more input so that the club can achieve more for the benefit for all riders. I just think it is important for everyone to step back and seriously consider "what can I do for the for the club" rather than simply stating what more the "club" should do...