Thursday, February 16, 2012

2011 Year in Review

Hey everyone!

It’s time for a TORBA update – 2011 was another busy year! The Directors are pleased with the progress we’ve made and momentum we’re building in getting the voice of off-road cyclists heard, and positive changes made, in the GTA.

Here are some of our key achievements in 2011:
·         At our April AGM we acquired 3 new board members: Jean, Jesse, and Aaron. We also saw two of our board step down – thanks again to Tim and Jim for your efforts in building TORBA over recent years
·         Effective involvement in consultations for: replacing the dirt jumps in High Park, the City’s five year plan for parks, and gaining mountain bike access to the Rouge Valley (in partnership with DMBA and IMBA)
·         Beginning in June we held the first of three build days that we organised in partnership with the City of Toronto; we were also involved in helping rebuild the BMX dirtjumps at the Bayview Arena (Finch & Bayview)
·         In June we successfully launched Toronto’s first ever festival for mountain bikers, the TO MTB Fest. We jointly organized with the Lapdogs, and had assistance from the Wild Bettys and Sacred Rides
·         Positive media exposure: over winter regarding sabotage of bridges Don Valley trails; and in October coverage in the Globe and Mail, including the cover of the Globe TO section on biking in the Don, and a second article on the City meeting for a replacement of the High Park dirt jumps

The more complete list is available here… and includes some of the things where we didn't achieve as much as we'd hoped.

In addition, in late November TORBA’s Directors begin the process of updating our Vision, Mission, and Strategy statements. These can be found here.

We will be building on our accomplishments over the next 12 months, with our plans including:
·         Continuing pressure on the City to build a new skills park to replace the dirt jumps in High Park. We hope that success there will make it easier to get a skills park built in the Don Valley
·         Planning for the TO MTB Fest is already underway. We’re looking for a marketing and promotional manager to join our group, so let us know if you (or someone you know) is interested
·         We will hold our Don Valley clean-up day in spring, as well as 4+ trail maintenance/build days
·         Increase our focus on the Humber river valley to enhance off-road riding opportunities
·         Continue our involvement in the redevelopment of the Bayview Arena dirt jumps
·         Establish relationships with more cycling-related groups

Our AGM is set for Wednesday March 28, 7:30-9:00, location TBD. So mark your calendar and come along to give us your thoughts, hear the latest news, and get involved. We’re always looking for more volunteers, particularly given the success we’re having in making positive changes for mountain bikers.

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