Chairman's Message

Topics covered:
Membership and Free swim drills DVD
Mike Dunmore
Swim Sessions
Club Bike Rides

Membership renewals
A big thankyou to all those of you who have renewed you membership for 2008, for those of you that haven't you really need to hurray up for two reasons:
1) We'll be asking people to produce membership cards at sessions during February, no card no swim/turbo - you have been warned!!
2) To secure one of the few remaining FREE SwimforTri drills DvDs. On it you'll find underwater and above water footage of Dan Bullock (a proper swimmer!!) demonstrating all the drills (which we do on a Monday) you need to perfect your stroke plus if you've ever wondered what an Ironman swim is all about there is amazing footage taken by someone who agreed to do Ironman Austria with a video attached to them during the swim!!!

Mike Dunmore
Most of you will know Mike and many will know of his long and glorious association with Oxford Tri, but for those that don't, Mike is one of the founder members of Oxford Tri having been involved with the club since inception in 1998. He is also the reason we have the benefit of many of our facilities today, the Dragon pool was organised by him, the Cassington lake swims is down to him and the BAR races in Bletchingdon are also down to him to. More recently the resurgance of the club championships is due to Mike's enthusiasm and drive for triathlon and the club, singlehandedly organising last years event, I could go on!!

Mike has shared his experience with so many of us, given his time and dedication to the club, all for free, the committee unanimously agreed it was time to show our appreciation for what he has done for so many of us individually and for the club. It is therefore with great pleasure that I can announce we have presented Mike with the clubs first ever Honorary Membership. Clearly this isn't the ideal forum to make this presentation, however we felt it important to make our gratitude known now and we will at the Annual Dinner at the end of the season make a more formal presentation. Please join me in congratulating Mike and thanking him for all he has done for the club.

Swim Sessions please remember to check the calendar for upcoming swimming sessions especially with half term looming.

Club Bike Rides
Its with deep regret that I report we have had a number of accidents within our group rides recently, predominantly due to ice although one related sprinting for signs. Given the weather forecast for this weekend (although I think it might have improved slightly) I thought this was an opportune moment to remind everyone of a few points.

- Firstly I have to point out that you take part club rides at your own risk and the Club does not endorse or encourage people to take part in sprints during club rides.

- Secondly you must obey the highway code at all times

- Thirdly, (unless illegal to do so!!) the ride leader must be obeyed at all times

We want everyone to have a fun and safe ride, talk to your fellow cyclists if you're at all unsure and refresh your memory by using the following links

http://www.oxfordtri.co.uk/training/cycling
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/Cyclists/inde...

Happy training

Sean