Introduction
There are numerous benefits to being a member of Macclesfield Wheelers:
Join Club Rides: Access to join as many club rides as you wish - many rides are on the calendar, in addition there are other pop-up rides or short notice rides on the club private Facebook group or social chat groups.
Get involved in Cycling Events: Support, expertise and encouragement to marshal, train and compete in a range of cycling events and disciplines.
Lead Rides: Support, encouragement and guidance to lead whatever kind of rides you want to see on the calendar!
Subsidised Events: Annual club party night and occasionally other events are subsidised to bring the club together and celebrate.
At the 2023 AGM there was an action for club members to propose items that the club could support under the broad headings of improving the membership experience, promoting the club on a regional or national basis and adding assets/events that help the club to grow and promote engagement and participation. The projects that are agreed by the committee from proposals by the members will be shared on this page of the club website.
Event Sponsorship
National and International Events 2025
To support the growing interest in competing nationally and internationally within the club, the club is prepared to fund or subsidise the entry fees for bonafide club members.
A few criteria need to apply to qualify for reimbursement of fees:
Paid up club members for current year and have competed in the Club Events.
Racing as a Macclesfield Wheelers first claim club.
Entry fees paid in arrears for finishers and DNF results.
The club can’t pay for members who DNS the event.
On completion of the event and the official results the Treasurer will organise reimbursement of the entry fees.
More events will be considered for sponsorship over the coming months. Watch this space.
Club Open 10 TT
Thinking of doing the Club 10s? Well here’s an incentive! For the first three races of the season in 2024 and 2025, club members will race for free. This includes the Lads & Lasses event. That’s right just turn up, sign on and the club will cover your entry costs and CTT levy for those races. We are keen to get members riding in these events and get the season off to a great start. Check out the calendar for the start times and course details. If there was ever an incentive to get out there, this is it. Please ensure that your club subscriptions are paid up now to take advantage of this offer.
If you have any questions contact Pete Jackson on pete.j@macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk
First Aid Courses
Our club runs a number of events and whilst injuries are mercifully rare, they can happen on the open road. Therefore the club is prepared to sponsor a number of individuals to take a short first aid course to ensure that if the worst happens we have taken sensible steps to protect our members. Last year we purchased two defibs and these are present at TT and HC events. To complement this investment it seemed wise to equip members with skills to administer first aid out on the road.
Who should attend this type of course?
Ride leads
Marshals
Event organisers
Members who frequently ride in groups.
The club have identified a provider:- Emergency First Aid at Work (1-day/6hrs)GFLL Community Course (guildlifelonglearning.org)
The Guild of Life Long Learning are based in Wilmslow and run this course frequently through the year.
The club are prepared to invest in up to 15 members attending one of these courses at a cost of £20 per head. Please book on the course to suit and your fee will be reimbursed on completion of the course. We are also reviewing other suppliers of First Aid Training Courses.
Please let me know if you wish to attend so we can keep track of the numbers: simong2@macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk
For reimbursement please contact: treasurer@macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk
Mental Health First Aid Course
As a club I’m sure we are all aware of members who have had issues in this sensitive area. The club, at the request of a member, is therefore prepared to invest in two members attending a course to be qualified as a mental health first aider. There are a number of courses identified that might be appropriate. As a first step, if anyone is interested then please let the Club General Secretary know and we can discuss next steps.
Bike Maintenance Courses
The club regularly collaborates with Macclesfield Bike Shops | Bspokecycles to provide some bike maintenance courses for club members. Generally aimed at those who are less confident with basic elements such as changing tyres/inner tubes, repairing chains and adjusting your bike to make your club ride just a bit smoother. We may consider more advanced courses if there is a demand. If you are interested please let one of the committee know or watch this space for updates.
75th Birthday Kit Offer
In the past there has been an informal policy of offering to long standing members a free piece of club kit to mark their 80th Birthday. Over the past few months there have been some discussions about modifying this policy and putting it on a more formal footing.
Following representations to the committee the following has been agreed in respect of this policy:-
Qualifying age shall be lowered to 75
To qualify a member shall be a current member
To qualify a member shall have been a member for the prior ten years continuously
One piece of kit per person
Kit to the value of a club summer jersey
No cash alternative is offered
In order to claim on this policy, please email Membership Secretary, who will validate the claim and authorise the issue of a piece of club kit.