Waiting for the Green Light
Q By Mike Wiseman
We are all waiting for the Green Light to get riding again, however the way we run events in the foreseeable future is going to be quite different from what we have been used to. We will not be able to wake up on a sunny day and have a "ride", but from all of those I have spoken to they just want to get back on the bike and are ready to adapt. I think there are four options to consider. • The first option is to wait for everything to get back to "normal" and do everything the same as we did in the past. We can overcome observing with score sheets instead of punch cards, but there are concerns about our volunteers who sign on. The desk area and "signing on" is one of the biggest areas of risk. • The back to normal option may be months away, even after restrictions are eased as we are still reliant on the volunteers wanting to get involved and feel safe. • Option 2 is to use the ACU online system. This is OK for the bigger events but may not be so user friendly for the Saturday afternoon and evening Trials where many riders do not decide until "the day" to ride. This system also excludes members who are not internet savvy. • The ACU option is great and would solve most of the administration problems, but not for all. • Moving forward this may well be the way we have to operate, and will be used for all Centre Trials, when we are able to run them. • Option 3 is to accept entries only by post to avoid all the signing on touch points. A problem with this is that some people do not have cheque books these days. This could be history repeating itself, our more mature members will remember waiting for the "Centre Gazette" to get your entry forms in the post. • Option 4 is a short-term fix proposal, just to get members back on their bikes when riding is authorised by the ACU. • It is not the long-term solution and would be for Club members only and with a restricted 26
entry, dependent on the parking space available and the venue size. This is the Waltham Chase MCC draft plan which is subject to change depending on ACU instructions or other external factors. Rider Information for Waltham Chase Trials MCC All Waltham Chase Club members with a current ACU Competition Licence will be notified by email of upcoming events. Details will not be posted on Facebook. The email address for all Club Entries is: entry4walthamchasemcc@outlook.com Membership is validated using the ACU system to confirm affiliation; however, riders should still carry their ACU card in case photographic identification is required. Entries will not be accepted unless an ACU competition licence has been validated in advance. Details will be sent by post to members with no email address. As this will cause delay, we suggest all members provide a contact email we can use. All events, including practice sessions are booked as "Pre-Entry" only until further notice. There will be "no on the day" entry. The notification email we send will confirm the entry limit for the Trial and will have an entry form attached. Each Trial will have an entry limit. We will advise the number of guests each rider can bring to an event on the entry instructions. This is likely to be one per rider, and two for youth riders. If you intend to ride advise as soon as possible by return email, with the information as requested on the email. If for any reason your plans change notify the Club ASAP to enable your place to be reallocated. As soon as the entry limit is reached no further entries will be accepted. An email notification will advise ENTRY FULL. Riders will be sent a confirmation email, if you do not receive this confirmation do not turn up at the event. We must have in advance of any trial or practice the names of all riders, officials and if applicable "observers" attending. On the day of the Trial wait at the gate
