In 2004 I walked in to Bay Cycle and was asked to sign a petition. Apparently Mountain Biking was going to be banned at Greenwood. I realized that if it had gotten to the petition stage that it was mostly likely a lost cause, but I signed it anyway. Then I got mad. Why had this happened? How had it come to pass? Who was representing mountain biking? I had no answers, so I went looking for some.

For those who want the long winded tale, buy me a lemonade one day and I’ll tell you. The short version is that there was no club in the Durham Region advocating on behalf mountain bikers. Thus was born the Durham Mountain Biking Association.

I had no idea that what started as modest idea would become so successful. The DMBA is by any standard a very successful club. We have over 350 members, host multiple regular rides, do trail maintenance, are at the table with the land owners on whose land we ride, our membership actively volunteers, we’re incorporated, raise funds, etc. If you want more see here 2010, 2009, 2008. But there is still so much to do. More trail work to be done, more members to recruit, more noobs to teach, more rides to lead.

So, it is with some sadness that I have to say goodbye.

At the recent AGM I decided not to stand for election to the board. This may come as a surprise to some, but the existing board knew about my intention very early in 2010, and the core group of volunteers learned throughout the riding season. This gave plenty of time for everyone to get comfortable with the idea, for us to recruit some new directors, and most importantly for allow for a painless transition to the new leadership.

There were many reasons for this, none of them negative. My life had simply become too busy. New job, two kids, also working with IMBA, and I had to find sometime to ride too. Something had to change. So I decided to put down the burden of the DMBA presidency and let someone else with more time, more energy, and new ideas take up the challenge.

That person is Tom Hawks, many of you will know him, and recognize the back end of his bike (he’s fast!). He has a strong slate of directors working with him (Terry Sinclair, Steve Snodden, J-P, Mark Linford, Mike Danilko, and Tom Hanrahan) and I’m very curious to see where the new team can take the DMBA in the years to come.

Now that I have you all teary eyed, let me assure you that I’ll still be around. I’m not moving away, I still live in Pickering and will need a club to ride with. So I’ll still be a (regular) member of the DMBA. So for 2011 and beyond I’m looking forward to riding and digging with all of you.

What would a farewell message be without some “thank yous?” First I’d like to thank Scott Smith. He was the co-founder of the club (and member #2). If not for his support over the years the DMBA would not have gotten off the ground. I’d also like to thank some of the early members, not only did they take a chance on a young club, many of them became volunteers and even directors. They made it possible for the DMBA to become more than just “Jason’s bike club.” I’d like to thank all the corporate supporters, especially the local bike shops. You put significant weight behind what the club is trying to do. I’d like to thank all the members, whether you pick up a shovel, attend meetings, come out to group rides, or just ride on your own, thanks. Thanks for the support. Lastly I’d like to thank Tom Ritchie et. al. for inventing mountain biking.