March Rides, KVBC Dues Increase

 

Hello Everyone!  We are 19 days away from the start of Spring, even though it doesn't feel much like it yet.  If the weather permits we will have two, short, early preseason rides: one on Saturday, March 15 in Vassalboro to commemorate the birthday of Charles E. Pratt, the first president of the League of American Wheelmen (1880-1881) who was born in Vassalboro on March 13, 1845; followed the following week on Saturday, March 22 in Chesterville for Maine Maple Sunday weekend.  Stay tuned for additional details.

We also still have a number of openings in the 2025 KVBC Ride Calendar, so if you have been a ride leader and you haven't had a chance to sign up to lead a ride take a moment to check your calendar and sign up if you can.  We also welcome new ride leaders!  If you have a great ride you want to share with the club, let me know!

Our club treasurer, Brian Bowker, has submitted a Treasurer's Report, copied below.  Our club expenses have risen over the past few years and after some careful consideration, we have decided to raise our annual dues to $15.00 per year per person and $20.00 per year per household.  This is our first dues increase since our founding back in 2002.

Hope to see you all very soon! - Jim

KVBC Treasurer's Report 2024 Season

Hello to my fellow KVBC members.  I hope all of you are enjoying another chilly Maine winter.  As spring approaches surely many are gearing up for the cycling season.  I am looking forward to it but am in no hurry to put my skis away, surprise surprise!

Notes:

Our expenses last season were an annual contribution to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) of $100.00, League of American Bicyclists (LAB) of $75.00 and to American Specialty Insurance (ASI) of $485.00.  A total of $660.00

Our joining LAB allows our participation in the group insurance rates with ASI.

Since I am not an accountant I would like to show some simple balances of the club checking account.

Beginning Balance         03/28/24              1012.15

Current Balance          03/01/25.                   887.15

We took in approximately $520.00 in dues and donations in 2024 (apx $420.00  in dues, including a little extra paid by a couple of members plus one donation).  That said with our expenses currently at $660.00 the club would be insolvent in about 6 years as long as there are no increases in expenses which is unlikely.  It would be my suggestion that the club increase the annual dues by at least $5.00 per membership which would almost cover annual expenses.

Individual member minimum annual dues:        $15.00

Family minimum annual dues:                           $20.00

Sincerely,

Brian Bowker

Treasurer