BIKE TAUPŌ TO NOW CHARGE ANNUAL SUBS FOR MEMBERSHIP
As one of our valued members I am writing to you to inform you of some important changes at Bike Taupō. As of January 1, 2014 all people wishing to become, or remain, a member of Bike Taupō will need to pay a membership fee. This is a significant change for Bike Taupō as, for the last ten years, Bike Taupō has been free to join. Bike Taupō is a community organisation that survives on grants and donations.
The job of building and maintaining our 250 km track network is significant. The subscriptions program will give Bike Taupō a more dependable income stream to ensure that tracks can continue to be built and maintained. The membership fee will be used to fund the maintenance, and potential expansion of, the Craters Mountain Bike Park, Wairakei Forest and the wider trail system, including the Great Lake Trail and the upper Waikato River Trails. In addition the fee will assist in the funding of Bike Taupō’s very successful Kids Bike Taupō program.
The biggest change however, will be that all users of Craters Mountain Bike Park will need to be members and therfore pay a fee to enter. Currently everyone who uses the park should be Bike Taupō members as this is a condition of the permit that Bike Taupō holds to build and operate the trails. All members will be covered by Bike Taupō’s public liability insurance, which is a must when using a managed forest such Craters.
This is a move that Bike Taupō have not taken lightly or rushed into. It is a major change for both locals and visitors alike. Craters has had free to access for 10 years, but the charges will now mean more certainty for trail maintenance and development, as well as ensuring that the park is operated as per its permit.
If you would like more information you can view our ‘frequently asked questions’ as well as an associated media release at www.biketaupo.org.nz.
Become a member here www.biketaupo.org.nz/membership.
If you have any queries and would like to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate in contacting me.
Regards,
Rowan Sapsford
Chairperson – Bike Taupō
www.biketaupo.org.nz
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