London Cycling Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024 Summary

Welcome and Highlights

The London Cycling Club (LCC) AGM 2024 was a vibrant gathering that celebrated the club's growth, strong community spirit, and cycling achievements.

In a world where community ties often feel fragmented, and the concept of connection is sometimes reduced to fleeting digital interactions, the London Cycling Club (LCC) stands as a vibrant exception. Reflecting on the ideas of "Join or Die" and the warnings of Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone, we are reminded that strong communities don’t happen by chance—they are built through shared experiences, mutual support, and a common purpose. LCC is more than just a cycling club; it’s a testament to the power of coming together.

The LCC AGM 2024 was a celebration of that very spirit—of growth, strong community ties, and remarkable cycling achievements. The meeting, held with enthusiastic participation, covered key updates, board elections, financial reports, and recognized members who have made outstanding contributions. The agenda included the approval of the previous AGM minutes, presentations from the President and Treasurer, board elections, and an open forum for new business and member feedback.

Membership Growth and Trends

LCC membership has grown impressively to 130 members, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year.

The club has shown a robust recovery post-pandemic with an outstanding 82% growth in 2023, signaling renewed interest and engagement in cycling activities.

A retention rate of 55.75% for returning members indicates strong satisfaction, while over 51% new members this season highlight the club's expanding reach.

Significant efforts have been made to accommodate new riders, particularly through the consistent rider development group rides led by Vice-President Fred Chagnon, fostering a welcoming environment for cyclists of all levels.

Key Programs and Initiatives

Eleven Town Tour: A hallmark event that showcased the scenic beauty of our region while promoting camaraderie among participants through well-organized routes and support.

Gears & Beers: A casual social event designed to strengthen connections within the cycling community, allowing members to mingle, share experiences, and enjoy post-ride refreshments.

Women on Wheels (WoW) Program: Under the inspiring leadership of Nathalie Grenier, recognized as a Community Hero in 2023, this program has empowered women cyclists. Despite challenges this year due to Nathalie's reduced availability, the club is actively seeking a new volunteer to continue her impactful work and ensure the program's sustainability.

2024 Financial Summary and 2025 Budget Overview

In 2024, LCC maintained a stable financial position, growing our account balance from $6,422.52 to $7,077.95. Revenue primarily came from member fees totaling $5,140.40, while key expenses included office administration, events, insurance, and subscriptions.

2025

For 2025, we project increased revenue with membership growth and an additional $1,000 grant from Canada Life. These funds will support ride leader development, marketing, and operational costs, with a focus on sustainable growth and community engagement.

Engaging Our Members

While this is the board’s current proposal for the use of the $1,000 grant, we welcome questions and ideas from our members. If you have suggestions on how we can best use these funds to support the club’s growth and success, we’d love to hear from you. Your input is invaluable as we continue to shape the future of LCC together.

Board of Directors 2024-2025 Following the AGM and subsequent board meeting, the updated LCC Board of Directors was confirmed:

  • President

    Marc Deshaies (continuing) - Marc brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep passion for cycling and community building.

  • Vice-President

    Fred Chagnon (continuing) - A dedicated cyclist with a focus on rider development and long-distance randonneuring.

  • Secretary

    Silke Nebel - An enthusiastic member since 2022, bringing organizational skills and a fresh perspective to the board.

  • Treasurer

    Alan Hillman - Continuing in his role, Alan has been a dedicated member since 1992 and treasurer since 2017, providing invaluable financial oversight and support.

  • Member at Large

    Michael McAlpine brings new energy and diverse cycling experiences to the board.

  • Member at Large

    Tim Bell is known for his exceptional ride leadership of the social group.

Nathalie Grenier Di Loreto

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nathalie Grenier Di Loreto, who is stepping down from the board. Nathalie first joined the club 12 years ago and joined the board the following year. She served as vice chair or co-chair for six years and, after a hiatus, returned as chair in 2018. As president, she led the club through a period of significant growth and unexpected challenges, most notably guiding us through the pandemic years—a time that demanded extraordinary efforts from our volunteers. Under Nathalie’s leadership, we navigated contact tracing, rapidly changing guidelines, and the challenge of maintaining both safety and community spirit.

This past year, Nathalie transitioned to the role of secretary, having initially planned to step down in 2023. However, she graciously agreed to remain for another year to support a board composed largely of new members, sharing her wealth of experience to ensure a smooth transition.

Nathalie’s legacy is perhaps most evident in the Women on Wheels (WoW) program, which she founded in 2023. This initiative has become a unique and integral part of our club, empowering women riders and fostering a spirit of inclusivity that will inspire us for years to come.

And of course, we’ll always remember Nathalie for her warm, approachable demeanor and her signature red lipstick—a small but unforgettable detail that brightened every meeting and event. Her poise, determination, and kindness have left an indelible mark on the London Cycling Club.

Awards and Recognitions

The AGM honored members whose dedication and achievements stood out in 2024:

Rookie of the Year: Ingrid Johnsrude - Recognized for her enthusiasm and rapid development within the club's social rides.

Most Improved Rider (Female): Ingrid Johnsrude - Acknowledged for her remarkable growth and commitment to improving her cycling skills.

Most Improved Rider (Male): Peter Hendriksson - Celebrated for his dedication and significant progress in group rides.

Perseverance Award: Steve Clark - A two-time recipient, admired for his resilience and determination in overcoming health challenges and continuing to ride consistently with the club.

Ride Leader of the Year: Tim Bell - Honored for his consistent leadership and support of social group rides, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

Guardian Angel Award: Perry Cole - Recognized for his selfless support of fellow riders, ensuring no one is left behind on group rides.

Club Influencer Award: Fred Chagnon - Celebrated for his active engagement on social media, promoting LCC and its values throughout the community.

Outstanding Athlete (Male): Marc Deshaies - Commended for his exceptional athletic performance, balancing speed and endurance across challenging rides.

Outstanding Athlete (Female): Silke Nebel - Recognized for her strong athletic abilities and leadership, exemplified by her determination in events like the Forest City Cycling Challenge.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, LCC remains dedicated to enhancing the cycling experience for all members. The club aims to promote inclusivity, support rider development, and strengthen our community through diverse events and initiatives. We are committed to continuing to grow the club in the coming year, focusing on attracting new members while retaining our current ones.

Our efforts this year on rider-development groups to build skills and comfort with group riding, along with our growing social group, are expected to positively impact member retention next year. Additionally, we will use the support from Canada Life to provide meaningful perks and events for our ride leaders, ensuring they feel valued and supported in their critical roles within the club.

Acknowledgments

A heartfelt thank you to all members, volunteers, and sponsors for your unwavering support and dedication to the London Cycling Club. Your passion and commitment are the driving forces behind our vibrant cycling community.