There may well be the hords of cyclists out there wanting to join as soon as some rule or other is changed but I doubt it.
AUK is a club for long distance cyclists. Some members may see 100 or 150k as a long distance but by AUK definitions they are not. If the club wanted to be a "Long (but not too long) Distance Cyclists club" it might attract some more cyclists but at the moment that is not what it is about.(The Tandem Club migh attract more members if it sought BMX riders but instead it remains true to its name).
My own opinion is that the club should be open to LDC's (long distance cyclists) and anyone joining should be given temporary membership for a period - say up to two years - to prove their credentials as a LDC by riding a 200k or longer calendar event. The only other method of full membership would be by organising a 200 or longer event. Existing non-LDC's could be given a longer period to reach the required standard for m'ship. Only full members would have the rights enjoyed by all at the moment.
Yes this would make the club be even more elitist but at least we would all have some experience of LDC'ing! and we would be more tue to our club's name! We might get more committment at AGM's etc.and AUK might then be able to concentrate on its more important other function of validating rides under its rules.
Re the sniping at "the old guard" can I say for one I would like someone to take over my post (pleas for help in the past have fallen on very deaf ears).
Re-reading the letters makes me feel very got at and therefore I will not actively seek re- election in November. If no-one else comes forward at the AGM I am prepared to continue for a further year but I whilst I am happy to serve the club as a delegate l will not stand for treasurer in November 2002. So come on all of you wanting change. Here's one "old fart" getting out of the way (and if the m'g'd rule disappears for 300K & above) one organiser)
DKB