CRITICAL NOTICE: Step up and Lead FatTracks into the future!

Dear FatTracks Members,

As we hit the midpoint of the year, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads.

After several years of dedicated voluntary service on the FatTracks committee, the majority of our current committee members have decided not to stand for their roles again in 2026.

It’s time for new leaders to emerge and take the reins!

We’re counting on passionate club members like you to come forward and fill these vital portfolios.

Without new volunteers, we risk dissolving the club and therefore losing many years of trail development and maintenance.

This is a devastating prospect that would undo all the hard work we’ve put into creating amazing routes in the Baakens Valley for our members and the wider NMB community.

Your involvement can make all the difference.

By stepping up, you’ll ensure the club continues to thrive and provide mountain bikers, runners, hikers, and walkers with the trails they love.

Important details:

A Special General Meeting (SGM) will be held in July to vote for nominees received no later than Friday the 18 July for the various committee portfolios.

• SGM Date: Friday 25 July at Norm Hudlin
• Venue: Norm Hudlin
• Time: 17:30

If you wish to nominate a member or volunteer, please respond with their name and phone number to ftadmin@fattracks.co.za and pieter@fattracks.co.za before Friday the 18 July 2025.

FatTracks committee portfolios to be filled:

Here are the key points of the duties for each of the 6 crucial FT Committee portfolios:

Portfolio 1. Club Chairperson

with the support of

Portfolio 2. Club Vice Chairperson:

• Presides over all club meetings and ensures the smooth operation of the committee.
• Provides overall leadership, growth and direction for the club’s activities and initiatives.
• Represents the club in external communications and partnerships.
• Fosters a positive and inclusive environment for all members.
• Overall responsibility for maintenance and growth of the club.
• Defining direction and intended deliverables for each calendar year.
• Liaising with sponsors, other stakeholders in the valley, the press and the Municipality (Parks).
• Coordinating tasks within the various portfolios
• Overall responsibility for maintenance of FT trails in the Baakens valley, including the trails and trail features around the FT container area (pump    track, ramps, berms, tabletops etc).
• Planning and setting of the associated daily/weekly/monthly maintenance tasks for the trail maintenance men (clearing trails, maintaining berms, pump track, ramps, etc.  
• Ensuring the all-trail tools are maintained and in good working order at all times.
• Ensuring that maintenance equipment materials are always available (adequate fuel, brush cutter cord, poison eradicating alien plants etc.).
• Transport workers & equipment (when needed), to distant points from where they start maintaining a specific trail.
• Eradicating aliens, facilitate planting of endemic trees, eradicate erosion and daily clearing of litter.
• Facilitate marking of all FT trails plus maintenance thereof (planting/erecting of marker posts with necessary markings).
• Completion of an Amarider submission on trial maintenance for liability Insurance requirements.

Portfolio 3. Treasurer:

• Overall management of the club’s finances
• Budget proposals and review of yearly Subs
• Monthly management of creditors and debtors
• Formulation and presentation of a year-end financial report
• Manages the club’s financial accounts, including budgeting, income, and expenditures.
• Maintains accurate financial records and provides regular reports to the committee and members.
• Ensures the club’s financial health and adherence to all relevant regulations.
• Handles financial transactions.

Portfolio 4. Secretary:

• Management of membership applications and the associated details.
• Printing of member decals, ensuring these are distributed to the various distribution points/cycling stores.
• Management/design and upkeep of all social media platforms/social media feeds/digital communication.
• Website management
• Secretarial duties for FT meetings, agendas, minutes prepare and distribute
• Assists the Chairperson in organising and preparing for meetings
• Handles membership fee collection

Portfolio 5. Trail Maintenance Coordinator:

• Organises and oversees all trail maintenance activities, including repairs, clearing, and new trail development.
• Recruits and manages volunteers for trail workdays.
• Liaises with local authorities and landowners regarding trail access and permits.
• Ensures the safety and quality of all trails for club members and the community.

Portfolio 6. Events Coordinator:

• Responsible for the necessary coordination with event organisers. 
• Event/race prep and transport of gazebos, banners/stocking etc.
• Obtaining prize donations (or the buying thereof).
• Waterpoint staffing plus acquiring/purchasing/stocking a waterpoint with drinks/food/fuel supplies. 
• Ensure that both the FatTracks brand and that of our sponsors receive appropriate exposure.
• Plans and organises club events, such as rides, runs, hikes, social gatherings, and races.
• Coordinates logistics for events, including venues, refreshments, and necessary permits.
• Promotes events to club members and the wider community.
• Works to enhance member engagement and participation through diverse activities.
• Responsible for the development and upkeep of digital trail marking through Trailforks.
• Facilitate ordering and stock management of club orientated clothing in liaison with committee.
• Liaise/follow up with businesses offering FT member discounts.