FatTracks Q3 ➡️ Latest News and FatTracks Future Plans!

Dear fellow FatTracks members, sponsors, and donors,

Trail conditions and operations

As we enter the final quarter of the year, we’re pleased to report that our trails have remained in excellent condition throughout Q3 2025. Thanks to ongoing maintenance efforts, generous sponsorships, donations, and membership fees, the FatTracks club continues to operate smoothly. 

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to keeping our FatTracks adventure trails accessible and well-maintained.

Thank you!

We would not be able to do what we need to do on the FatTracks trails with membership fees only.

So, we are incredibly grateful to all the corporates and businesses contributing financially to help upgrade and maintain the MTB trails in the valley… Please support our donors and sponsors!

Critical update: The future of FatTracks:

However, as current Chairman of the club, I must share an urgent concern. As communicated at our Special General Meeting (SGM), FatTracks faces dissolution on November 21, 2025, unless we secure new leadership.

The July SGM: A call that went unanswered

On Friday, July 25, 2025, we held a Special General Meeting with a critical mission: to identify and nominate members for our new committee ahead of the November AGM. 

This meeting was designed to facilitate a smooth leadership transition, as the majority of current committee members will not stand for re-election.

Unfortunately, the response was minimal. Only one member requested information about the club’s financials and management, and one person stepped forward to offer her services to the committee. Since then, we’ve received no further feedback or nominations.

(To view the detailed minutes of the meeting, please click here)

What this means for the future of FatTracks… 

The reality is stark: without a committee, FatTracks cannot continue. If no new committee is elected at our November 21 AGM, the current committee’s only remaining responsibility will be to wind down the club’s affairs according to our constitution.

Critical positions to fill

We urgently need members to step forward for the following portfolios:

• Club Chairperson
• Club Vice Chairperson
• Treasurer
• Trail Maintenance
• Merchandise
• Events

Why early nomination matters

The July SGM was intentionally scheduled early to allow newly elected committee members to shadow current portfolio holders from August through November.

This transition period ensures new leaders are fully prepared to take the reins and maintains continuity in club operations.

Reflecting on four years of leadership

My tenure as FatTracks Chairman ends on November 21, 2025.

I will not be available to serve on the committee after the AGM, except to assist with closing the club’s affairs if necessary.

When I stepped into this role four years ago, following Andrew Rist’s chairmanship, I had no idea what lay ahead. My motivation was simple: a love for mountain biking and a desire to honour the incredible legacy of those who built this club.

I set several objectives for my term, and I’m proud to say that, with the generous support of our committee, donors, sponsors, and loyal members, we’ve achieved them.

A heartfelt thank you

Every membership contribution is vital to our annual budget. We’re grateful to all who support FatTracks and hope that everyone who enjoys our trails will join as members, ensuring the club’s continued success.

This is your call to action

We need FatTracks members to identify potential candidates and encourage them to step forward. We’re asking you to reach out to fellow riders, friends, and anyone passionate about mountain biking and our trails.

If you’d like to learn more about any committee position, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any current committee member via personal message. We’re here to answer questions and provide support.

Our Baakens Valley adventure trails are a treasure that deserves to endure. Together, we can ensure FatTracks grows stronger and continues to serve our community for years to come. The future of this club – and these trails – is now in your hands.

Let’s ride forward together.

For inquiries about committee positions, please contact current committee members directly.

Yours sincerely,

Pieter Labuschagne
FatTracks Chairperson