NEBRA Board Members to attend Local Association Meeting at USA Cycling
Tuesday, September 20, 2005

September 20, 2005



My Fellow Cyclists:

I received an invitation from USAC to attend a "brainstorming" meeting of the Local Associations throughout the country. (NEBRA is the USAC Local Association for New England.) The stated purpose of the meeting is to "…discuss exciting new programs and plans we have for 2006. We will also discuss how to better coordinate the efforts of our organizations and set priorities for 2006."

I will be attending, along with our NEBRA administrator, Diane Fortini. I have asked that the LA’s be given some time to present or voice specific concerns that are important to their region, that may not be already scheduled as part of the agenda.

To that end, I am soliciting the input of all NEBRA and non-NEBRA member clubs and promoters in New England. Please email me any concerns that you have regarding the state of cycling here in New England. These could include rule changes, local grassroots programs, the lack of races for Cat 1/2 Women, ranking, the direction of USAC, etc. Please be as concise yet specific as possible.

Your comments will be valuable not only for the USAC meeting in Colorado, but will also be a good source of input for the annual NEBRA Promoter’s Meeting.

If your club/promoter is not a NEBRA member, I urge you to join. Help shape the future of New England cycling. Whether you are or aren’t a member, I am interested in your input. Here’s your opportunity to voice your support and concerns about bike racing in New England and the country.

It will be my privilege to represent New England in this first meeting of the Local Associations. We have one of the finest racing scenes in the country, and have every reason to be proud. There is much we can teach and much we can learn from the other regions. I am very excited about this meeting and look forward to presenting your/our concerns and issues.

Thanks,
Mark Hagen
President
New England Bicycle Racing Association

photos by Jonathan McElvery, Jack Milton, and BikeReg.com