During April we were so busy getting ready for OMCCs showpiece event of the year, the Glenmaggie Easter Trial, that we didn’t get any comms out. We are back on schedule now but as a result this update is pretty full!

Jumping ahead, there is training Sunday 29th May for Beginner Adults thanks to Stan Mularczyk. If you can make it, please let the club know: https://forms.gle/o4QRNqALfbganyLg8

New members are welcome, and day memberships are also available (conditions apply). 

Glenmaggie 2022 done & dusted!

It was so nice to see 100+ riders for the first time in years at an OMCC trial. Thanks to all our interstate riders who made the journey. We had groups from QLD, NSW, CBR & TAS, including a few Victorians who drove 5+ hours! To return the favour, there is a large contingent of OMCC riders heading north for the Canberra 2 Day (more details below). For those of you who made it we hope you had a good time. The talk around the campgrounds seemed to suggest most of you did. 

It was a herculean effort by the organising team with the amount of rain and growth the property had. Setting sections required chainsaws & whipper snippers before you could put the arrows down in a lot of places. Floods also meant the club needed to make repairs to the crossing between the first & second car park. 

A massive thank you goes to the following people who were there across multiple weekends to make the event happen:

Rocky Egan, Phill Lewis, Phill Arnott, Simon Colombo, Simon Watts, David Grice, Noah Grice, Craig Genner, John Wilson, Matt Kerr, Peter Wines, Stan Mularcyzk, Zac Mularcyzk, Geoff Lewis, Gary McDonald. 

A very special mention to Reece & Greg Chalmers who did some very heavy lifting and deserve special mention for going above & beyond. The club appreciates all your hard work.

Thanks to our trainers who put in a fantastic effort: Caitlyn Cummins, Jono Chellas, Stan Mularczyk, Justin Stone and Rocky Egan. 

The training on the Friday was very well attended and the club was seeking a donation from each attendee to help raise funds for the TDN team to get across to Europe this year. If you were planning on contributing to the training, but didn’t have cash on hand you can still make your contribution here by using the reference “TDN Training GM”: https://www.oakleighmcc.com/club/make-a-payment/

We ended up setting about 26 sections and ran out of white & green arrows (thanks to STR for coming to our rescue), and the event consisted of 3 x 15 laps each day with a couple of sections re-used day 2. Glenmaggie section setting is generally set on the easier side in recognition of the fact that it is still early in the season, and the Easter weekend is a time of fun and relaxation. On reflection, looking at most of the grades we were fairly close to meeting those objectives based on the scores. 

Please check out Hiroshi’s Youtube channel for video from the event:

Continue reading “May Communication to Members” →

Thanks to the 30 members who turned up today to help at the working bee. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. The club grounds are looking fantastic, and we have new LED lights installed in the verandah.

We got through most of the ‘To Do’ list however there is still some long grass in parts if anyone who missed the working bee and wants to make up for it next time.

We have ordered some backpacks for our section setting gear to help make it all a but more organised, but they didn’t arrive in time so we will do it during the week when they arrive; until then there is a pile of section setting gear in the club rooms.

Congratulations to all the award winners in the summer series. Trophies are at the club grounds for you all to collect if you weren’t there today.

Glenmaggie 2022 Entries now open (April 16-17)

The OMCC showpiece event of the year, the Glenmaggie Easter Trial, is happening again April 16th & 17th. 

After a couple of disrupted years, OMCC are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Glenmaggie 2022 Easter Trial…in particular our interstate friends. We have caught wind of a QLD contingent planning to head south! 

As if two days riding and camping isn’t enough, we aim to run training on the Friday 15th prior to the event with groups for kids (up to C grade) at 1pm-3pm and the adults later in the afternoon. More details on this coming in future updates.

Please note: Early entry discounted until 31st March. Entries close 13th April 9pm.

Link to more details, and entry: https://trials.com.au/news/glenmaggie-2022–borders-are-open-edition-5981

Glenmaggie Section Setting (April 8-10)

We will need the help of as many as possible to get Glenmaggie ready. The plan is to camp and set sections on Friday April 8th – Sunday April 10th. 

Please let us know if you can help us.

Last year we had an amazing turnout and we are keen to repeat the success. 

Assume you will need gardening gloves, whipper snippers/brush cutters, gardening shears.

Working Bee (March 20)

The first working bee of 2022 is on March 20th. If you’ve not revisited the calendar since we first published please be aware of a date change. We announced in previous communications that it got moved to accommodate the VTS series. Members need only attend 2 of the 3 scheduled, so it’s OK if you can’t make this one.

Normal format is a working bee in the morning from 10am-12:30pm, a BBQ lunch, and then a ride in the afternoon.

Please Bring:

• Whipper Snipper
• A Wheel Barrow (if it’s not a big inconvenience…only need a few)
• Gardening shears
• Gardening gloves
• Chisel/Paint scrapers
• Staple removers

Focus of the working bee:

• Trim the long glass
• Spray weeds
• Pick up glass/debris from grounds
• Clean section setting gear (remove silicon/staples)
• Organise the section setting gear into separate backpacks
• Prune overhanging branches around the fence

Continue reading “March 2022 communication to members” →

Hello OMCC Members,

I am writing to you to provide an update on the COVID-19 Policy. In October we wrote to all members informing you that OMCC had taken a decision to open the club grounds and how we were aligning to the current government requirements at the time. This obligated the club when it re-opened on the 24th October to verify vaccine certificates prior to members attending the club grounds. 

As we committed to, the Committee’s position would  be reassessed as vaccination rates within the community increased and the various state and governing bodies positions became clearer.

As you will no doubt appreciate, the government requirements have been a moving target of what rules apply as the population has continued through the various 70%, 80% and 90% vaccination thresholds. 

As well as the Vic Government, we also run under AMA affiliation that provided guidance on this issue however this was applicable in QLD only and we’ve been waiting for Victorian guidance before moving on this.  

After communication with the AMA in the last week, I am pleased to announce the following change with immediate effect.

What IS changing:

• In line with the Victorian Government Guidelines and AMA guidance, you are no longer required to show vaccination status to attend the club grounds or partake in OMCC events.

What is NOT changing:

• If any member has any COVID symptoms or has been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID, they must not attend the club until directed safe to do so by health authorities.
• The club has registered with the Vic Government QR code system, and so both QR codes will need to be scanned. One for Contact Tracing purposes and one for the existing clubs link to register riders with the AMA for Indemnity & Liability while riding. 
• Continue to physically distance.
• Wear face masks when required.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Avoid interactions in enclosed spaces (Club rooms, Kitchen, Toilets).
• Act quickly if participants, volunteers or organisers become unwell.

I am also aware some members would prefer unvaccinated members not attend the club however the Victorian Government vaccine mandates do not extend to community sport & recreation clubs now that the community vaccination targets have been met and this is consistent with AMA guidance. 

I’ve been given feedback that the vast majority of our members are pleased with how the club has handled this tumultuous period, and for everyone’s sake we do hope the major impacts are now behind us.  That said, we are aware there were a small number of members who were adversely impacted by these obligations over the last 3-4 months. For that the club extends its sympathy to the impacted individuals.

Regards, The OMCC Committee.

Membership renewals & welcome to new members

Targeted communication to members who have not renewed their membership will be coming out shortly. It is always normal to get some churn, and therefore we are pleased to report 7 new members have joined the club this year already. 

A big welcome to our new members. Please make sure you make yourself known down at the club and welcome to the OMCC family. 

Round 4 Summer Series – 19th Feb

The 4th & final round of the 21/22 OMCC Summer series is now open for entries. After a fantastic turn out at the 3rd round of about 50 competitors with recent ground works at the club allowing us to use some new areas. Feedback from Rd 3 suggests we got the section difficulty level right for all but (T3) B grade in the last trial so we will attempt to maintain a similar level with some refinement on B grade.

A Grade (T2) please get your entries in early otherwise we will not set sections. 

Enter Online: https://trials.com.au/21SSR4

Entries close Thursday midnight.

The series presentation day will be on the 20th March which is the same day of the working bee.

Ground works

We have made a start on our next wave of ground works. The pile of dirt has been used to cover the tyres (nearly done!). And we’ve moved some rocks and logs arounds mainly focused on the North East corner of the trials park. We’ve had some rain to settle things in a bit and we even used them in the last Summer Series trial. Work will continue sporadically over the next couple of months based on volunteers availability and the club is grateful to have such capable volunteers with access to the necessary equipment to make all this happen!

If you have access to any of the following: large rocks, logs, transport for rocks and logs, and CLEAN soil…please let John Wilson and Craig Genner know. 

2022 Calendar Updates (multiple)

1. New Working bee date to avoid conflicts with VTS

Continue reading “Feb 2022 communication to members” →

As part of OMCCs commitment to our members there will be OMCC coaches on hand to help kids and beginner riders (up to C+ Grade) on Sunday 13^th Feb. Training is free to OMCC Members. Day membership is available for $15 however priority is given to annual members.

There will be a group safety talk, followed by a split of the groups by ability and then sections will be set practiced.

Bring your petrol, electric of even a push trials bikes.

After lunch the kids may even have a treasure hunt! To register your interest, please contact: [email protected]

Happy new year to all our members and friends of the club. We are going to try and consolidate our communication to members going forward and provide multiple updates at once.

Membership Renewals

We’ve had a fantastic response so far for 2022 club membership however as a reminder can all members who are yet to renew their membership please do so at the earliest opportunity, and before their next ride at the club.

2022 Memberships are online now:  https://www.oakleighmcc.com/membership-forms/annual-membership/

Round 3 Summer Series

We are back with the first trial of 2022 with entries now open for R3 of the summer series. In recognition of the current COVID outbreak, we want to remind riders that the club will offer a refund to anyone who is unable to attend due to ill health. 

Scores were a little high in the last round so we plan to address that this time and set things a bit easier. Also, A graders (T2) are encouraged to get your entries in early otherwise we will not set sections. 

Enter online now: https://trials.com.au/21SSR3

2022 Calendar

The 2022 calendar is out now. It’s a combo of OMCC and STR events and it’s with genuine hope we get a chance to run a full year of events.

https://www.oakleighmcc.com/2022-calendar/

Winter series kicks off with the STR run Ranceby event on 6th March.

There will be a 5 round winter series run in conjunction with STR, with rounds 4 & 5 also being our AMA Vic Titles weekend.

We will also continue to run more training events as we have heard the feedback from our members that they really valued this last year. There may be some impromptu junior coaching as well. 

There are 3 working bees at the club grounds this year, and it remains an expectation that our members contribute a small amount of time to keep our club looking good and grounds in good condition. The usual format is 2 hours of work followed by a BBQ lunch, then a ride in the afternoon. We have made a decision to run 3 this year, however members only need to attend two. Choose the two that work best for you; however the club will continue to monitor attendance.

Glenmaggie Easter Trial

We look forward to welcoming the return of many of our interstate guests again now that a lot of the border restrictions are being wound back. As a result, we are expecting this year’s event to be very popular.

Members are encouraged to help us with the working bee the weekend prior to set sections and do some clearing which we are told will be required. 

More details to follow in the coming weeks.

Hoodies & Beanies

The club will be doing a new run of hoodies & beanies. Anyone who would like to place an order please contact Greg Chalmers so we can gauge numbers: [email protected]

Hoodies will be available in grey & black. Sizing runs slightly larger than usual, so it’s recommended to size down.

For examples check out the website: https://www.oakleighmcc.com/club/official-club-gear/

We are back with the first trial of 2022. Scores were a little high in the last round so we plan to address that this time and set things a bit easier. Also, A graders (T2) are encouraged to get your entries in early otherwise we will not set sections. 

In recognition of the current state of COVID cases, if you are unable to attend due to illness, you will get a full refund to encourage riders to stay home if you become unwell. 

If you are able to help observe please let us know. 

Spectators welcome, dealers bikes will be on display, and join us for a BBQ at the end of the trial. 

The OMCC Committee supports the government’s vaccination program, especially given the fact the full resumption of the activities of our Club and the broader community, are almost entirely dependent on vaccination rates. As a result, it is a condition of entry for anyone attending the Club to be fully vaccinated (subject to medical exemption, age eligibility). 

Round 1: Sat 13th Nov 2021
Round 2: Sat 18th Dec 2021
Round 3: Sat 29th Jan 2022
Round 4: Sat 19th Feb 2022

Entries close Thursday 27th midnight.

Enter Online: https://trials.com.au/21SSR3

As the year comes to a close, so does your OMCC membership. Renewals for 2022 are now online and ready to go.

Did you know the number of members has grown 35% in the last two years?

Existing members, *PLEASE* consider a grounds supervisor membership and save yourself a few bucks. You will only have to open the grounds about once every 3 months.

https://www.oakleighmcc.com/membership…/annual-membership/

Hello OMCC Members,

The AGM was held Sunday, and before we go into the new committee we would like to thank our outgoing president Peter Wines for his remarkable effort to help the club over the turmoil of the last two years. We are fortunate to have Peter willing to stay on as a general committee member so he will remain connected with the club, and his 15 years of service on the committee continues. Thank you Peter.

We are proud to announce Greg Chalmers was nominated as OMCC’s newest Life Member. Greg has worked tirelessly over the years since joining the club in a range of capacities. On top of his work on the committee he has been essential at running trials events including the Vic Titles, getting qualified as a Level 3 coach and official, and working on one event that required 5 weekends worth of effort to clear and prep prior to running a trial! Congratulations Greg.

Due to a reduced season, the committee nominated to do a reduced set of awards; congratulations to our award winners:

• Mark Beechey Award (Highest Total Points in a season): Reece Chalmers
• Most Improved Award: Simon Watts
  • An honourable mention on most improved goes to Matt Kerr who’s improvement this year has also been impressive.
• Encouragement Award: John Kontsellis
• President’s Award: Stan Mularczyk

We are pleased to announce our new committee which is as follows:

• President: David Grice
• Vice President: Peter Spencer
• Secretary: Simon Watts
• Assistant Secretary: Matt Kerr
• Treasurer: Greg Chalmers
• Ground Supervisor: John Wilson
• Assistant Ground Supervisor: Craig Genner
• General committee: Reece Chalmers, Peter Wines, Stan Mularzyk, Zac Mularczyk & Chris Grubb.

There are some departures as a result of the new changes and we would like to extend a big thank you to Grant Philips, Justin Stone Steven Carter and Les Pattinson for their efforts over the last year.

The club is very lucky to have such a supportive group of volunteers who are working to make the club a better place.