Just a Sec

outdoors across the UK. Our thought at the time was that this was a simple means of avoiding group permanents becoming quasi events. This proved to be an important decision in hindsight as the UK Government issued detailed guidance on the 10th of July for the return of outdoor events and team sports which was soon followed by similar announcements elsewhere in the UK. By differentiating between small group activities which were clearly permitted across the UK and actual events, we were able to commence activities but, crucially, leave a path clear to a safe and responsible return to calendar events.

That path was vital for two reasons; the ongoing availability of our insurance cover and the protection of our organisers.

The next challenge arose from AUK’s status. AUK is the national governing body for long-distance randonneur cycling in the UK but its application for recognised National Governing Body (NGB) status remains pending. The guidance issued in England, Wales and Scotland referred to NGBs submitting risk assessments and guidance for approval and, clearly, this was the safest and most responsible path for us to follow but it was not clear how best to do so. Eventually the question was answered for us by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport when they asked us to rely on British Cycling’s guidance with suitable adaptations for our sport. That process has now been approved and accepted by Sport Wales, Sport NI and Sport Scotland. It provides AUK, its organisers, its members and its insurers with the confidence that we are following an officially sanctioned route towards resumption using approved guidance.

As we look to the future and to the resumption of calendar events, it is clear that those events will look different for some time but the only way we can move forwards is to find ways of running events in a manner that feels safe for organisers, volunteers, riders and the general public and gives us as many of the treasured aspects of our sport as is possible.

Since AUK took Phase II of the project “in house” an incredible amount of work has been going on behind the scenes. AUK will always owe a debt of gratitude to Kevin Lake, Francis Cooke, Dave Allison and Caroline Fenton. Working with our contractor, they have managed to complete Phase II and launch it successfully. Members logging on to enter rides will notice that they are now almost exclusively working inside the new website. Attention has now turned to Phase III and its scope and execution.

A great deal of the Board’s time has been taken up with COVID and the IT Refresh Project of late but there is life beyond the pandemic.

At our July meeting we looked at possible designs for the next run of brevet cards and these should be appearing at an event near you in the near future. Coincidentally, we also looked at the e-brevet system being developed by Dave and Caroline. A number of members are already trialling it and the early indications are positive. They are now looking for some help with the migration from Android to Apple.

We were also encouraged to see our Financial Director, Nigel Armstrong’s, latest figures and projections. Nigel has been constantly monitoring AUK’s financial position as we navigate through these difficult times. Thankfully, his view remains that we are in a strong position with healthy reserves.

At our teleconference on the 14th of August we took the decision to extend the current season from the 30th September to the 31st October. This brings AUK back into line with other randonneur organisations around the world who follow the BRM calendar. A resolution will be proposed to the AGM to allow members to decide if this change is to be permanent.

I hope as many of you as possible are able to take part in calendar events in the coming months or to ride longer permanents. It is important to remember that these events all rely on organisers being willing to run them. Please bear with and support our organisers as they come to terms with the changes and challenges they will have to deal with as they start to open up events.